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Summer is approaching fast, so if you have a second home or an investment property in the Outer Banks area, here are a few tips that will prepare and protect that home for the season:
1. Make sure your home is adequately insured. This is tough in our area because most of our insurance for investment properties is done through a federal fund with the state. Reach out to your insurance agent and ask them if you’re adequately insured for the coming season. Talk about what you need to do or whether you need to amend your policy in certain areas.
2. Take a proactive position in maintaining your home. This point was reiterated to me just this morning—a client of mine in Frisco had their hot water tank fail even though they installed it brand new back in 2016. They got it replaced and now they’re being proactive with upgrades that will make their home look better and rent better in the long term.
3. Keep an eye on your plumbing and fixtures. This primarily means keeping an eye on any drippy faucets or running toilets. Monitoring these items can save you a lot in terms of repair costs.
4. Have an electrician walk through your home and make sure your outlets are working. The GFI outlets in your bathrooms and on your deck should be functioning properly. In the second home market, this is especially important to pay attention to as we head toward summer. If you have a property management company, you can give them a call and have them do this for you.
5. Check your fire alarms, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors. Hopefully you never have to use these items, but you should make sure they’re working and their batteries are up to date. Remember, these items are now required to have 10-year batteries.
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6. Have your roof inspected. Wind loads will be picking up as we approach summer, and we may have a storm or two as well. Historically, shingle tabs (especially cap shingles) can peel or prop during high wind loads, so make sure there’s no potential for water infiltration around your home’s attic space.
Be proactive with any upgrades your home needs.
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7. Trim your trees. If you have trees up against your property, you can reach out to one of the tree-trimming services here on the island and have them thin them out. If you’re considering selling, this will help with your home’s curb appeal.
If you have any questions about any of these tips or you have any other real estate needs, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I’d be glad to help you.
